The coalition of health sector unions in Lagos State has
commenced a three-day warning strike over non-implementation of adjustments to
the Consolidated Health Salary Structure, CONHESS.
The unions include the Nigeria Union of Allied Health
Professionals, NUAHP, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives,
NANNM, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, and the Joint
Health Sector Unions, JOHESU.
Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, in an interview with
NAN on Wednesday, insisted that the strike would hold following the expiration
of an ultimatum issued by the unions.
Odumosu disclosed that a meeting of the union leaders with
officials of the state government on Dec. 9 also ended in an impasse.
“The government officials couldn’t give us a clear timeline
for the implementation of our demands and there’s no governor’s approval for
the payment.
“We reported the feedback to the Congress, which was ongoing
at our secretariat, and it unanimously voted ‘No’, insisting on proceeding with
the strike,” he said.
He complained that the matter had lingered for long, in
spite of numerous attempts by the unions to resolve it amicably.
“However, it has become clear that the government does not
accord the issue the seriousness it deserves.
“Engagement on December 2 with the Ministry of
Establishments and Training further reinforced our concerns as the meeting
failed to provide clarity on the computation method for the adjustment.
“This is particularly concerning given that Lagos state does
not operate the full CONHESS structure, nor did it yield a definite timeline
for payment.
“This is especially disheartening as adjustments have
already been implemented for doctors since October 2024.
“This approach, which prioritises some segments of the
health workforce while neglecting others, is divisive and undermines the
collective morale of health professionals in the state,” he said.
Odumosu regretted that the government appeared ‘indifferent’
to addressing their legitimate demands in spite of the critical roles played by
members of the unions in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare to Lagos
residents.
“The handling of this matter has left us with no other
choice but to resort to this warning strike, spanning from December 11 to
December 13.
“It is aimed at pressing home our demands for the full
implementation of the CONHESS adjustment for all eligible health workers in
Lagos state,” he said.
Similarly, Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary, NUAHP,
decried the delayed implementation of the 25 per cent CONHESS adjustment,
especially after the government approved a 35 per cent CONMESS adjustment for
doctors in October 2024.
NAN reports that the strike will affect all state-owned
health facilities – Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general
hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs).
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